This post is Sponsored by Shelby County Tourism
Craving a charming weekend getaway filled with Southern hospitality, rolling bluegrass hills, and a touch of Kentucky magic? Shelby County, Kentucky, beckons you! Nestled between Louisville and Lexington, this picturesque region offers a perfect blend of small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural experiences. I am giving you the top ideas to plan your getaway to Shelby County!
Start your Shelby County adventure with a caffeine fix at one of the welcoming local coffee shop. The Paddock, a Shelbyville favorite, boasts a warm atmosphere and delicious coffee creations. For a quieter and more traditional coffee shop atmosphere, head over the 6th and Main and grab a drink while reading your favorite book!
Learn about the Horses of Kentucky on a Kentucky Horse Farm
For those that want to truly take in the beauty and experience what Shelby County is known for, plan your visit to one of the many renowned horse farms. Shelby County is the American Saddlebred Horse capital of the world!
Horsesensing offers tours showcasing the grace and beauty of these magnificent creatures, I truly admire their mission, where they help veterans transition back to civilian life more successfully through being with horses and provide people in recovery from addictions a solid path to staying clean and sober for the long haul through working with and being with horses. The owners are truly amazing and down the earth. They also provide equine therapy to all ages and need groups.
If you’d like to learn about a bit of a different horse breed, and for a truly unique encounter, Léttleiki Icelandics is a nationally recognized center for Icelandic Horses which are the horses of the Vikings! With 110 acres housing 84 horses, visit the farm and learn about this absolutely stunning breed and their different “gaits”, which is a fancy word for runs. They are extremely friendly and on tours you are able to interact with the horses and see the different gaits and how the training process works.
Uncork Kentucky’s Finest through Distillery Tours & Tastings
No trip to Kentucky is complete without a distillery tour. Bulleit Distilling Co., a cornerstone of Shelby County’s bourbon heritage, offers an insightful look into the art of crafting this legendary spirit. Explore the history and process behind their award-winning bourbons, culminating in a delicious tasting experience. The tasting is a sensory experience that engages all your taste, sight and smell as different scents pull out different flavors of the bourbon you are tasting. Aside from the popular distillery tours and tastings, they also offer summer concerts, cocktail classes and other fun events.
If you are looking for a more intimate experience, visit Jeptha Creed Distillery, a family-owned distillery crafting small-batch bourbons with a focus on quality and tradition. Book the “barrel tasting” for a unique experience where upon arrival, you will be guided to Jeptha Creed’s farmland and welcomed by a very intimate setting within one of their barrel barns. As you sit in large leather chairs tasting a number of their offerings, the bourbon host will take you through the story of Jeptha Creed, finishing with a personalized tasting straight from the barrel. When you depart, you will carry on the family’s motto ‘Ne Oublie’ by not forgetting where you came from. If you can’t book a tour, they have an absolutely amazing patio and back bar area where you can relax while grabbing drinks, bar bites and overlooking their distillery grounds.
Shop ‘Til You Drop, From Main Street Charm to Brand-Name Bliss
Treat yourself to a shopping spree on Shelbyville’s vibrant Main Street. Here, you’ll find unique local boutiques, antique shops, and local shops brimming with treasures like custom printing and local apparel at Impress Boutique. Head down the Serendipity Kandy Kitchen for custom cakes and candies for a sweet treat! For a wider selection of brands, explore the expansive Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, offering savings on your favorite designer labels from brands like Kate Spade, Coach and Tori Burch, to Nike, Columbia and adidas and literally everywhere in between. They have some southern favorites as well like Palmetto Moon, Vineyard Vines and Simply Southern. The mall has more than just shopping though, with 8 Galapalooza horses and the Louisville Slugger walk of fame there’s lot’s to look at!
Dine Like a Local: From Casual to Upscale
As you do all your day time activities, you will want to stop at some Shelby County staples for a delicious bite to eat. McKinley’s Cafe and Little Mount Lavender are popular cafe style diners for lunch offering delicious soups, sandwiches and salads with local fresh ingredients and the best baked goods. While at little mount lavender, walk through their shop where they have tons of different items made with their famous lavender plants that you can also see in the garden right outside. The Bell house is a popular spot for dinner offering more comfort style dishes, with one of my absolute favorites around, the Hot Brown….it’s Chefs Kiss
Plan Your Visit
This is just a taste of what Shelby County has to offer….like you can also book a tour to cuddle with fluffy highland cows, check out the local brewery and more. Don’t miss catching a show at the Shelby County Community Theatre, hanging out at Guist Creek Lake, or spending a relaxing afternoon at Clear Creek Park.
With its friendly atmosphere, rich history, and endless charm, Shelby County promises an unforgettable weekend getaway. Start planning your Kentucky adventure today and discover the magic of Shelby County! Check out the ShelbyKY website for a comprehensive event calendar and visitor resources to make the most of your Shelby County escape as well as a full list of top places to stay in Shelby County!
